Activating Windows Server 2016 RDS 50 Device CAL

Name: Microsoft Windows Server 2016 RDS 50 Device CAL
Brand: Microsoft
Availability: InStock

Activating Windows Server 2016 RDS 50 Device CAL involves running the Remote Desktop Services licence server, activating it in Microsoft, and adding a licence package assigned to devices. In the Device CAL model, the licence is assigned to a specific computer or terminal from which users connect to the server. This is a good solution for companies where several people use one device, for example, in offices, warehouses, service points, or shared workstations.

Below, you will find a practical guide for the Windows Server 2016 environment and the RDS 50 Device CAL package. The guide assumes that you already have a licence key or the necessary data for installing the licence.

Step by Step

1. Install the RDS Licensing Role

On the server, open Server Manager, then select Add Roles and Features. Go through the wizard and select the role related to Remote Desktop Services, and in its components, select Remote Desktop Licensing.

After completing the installation, restart the server if the system requires it. Without this role, it will not be possible to add and manage RDS licenses.

2. Open the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager

Go to Server Manager, then navigate to Tools and launch Remote Desktop Licensing Manager. In the left panel, the local license server should be visible.

If the server appears on the list but is not activated, its name usually displays a status indicating that activation has not been performed yet.

3. Activate the License Server

Right-click the server name and select Activate Server. The activation wizard will start. Most often, the Automatic connection method is chosen because it is the fastest and most convenient, provided the server has internet access.

In the wizard, fill in the company data, such as the organization name, country, and possibly contact details. After completing this stage, the license server will change its status to active.

If the server does not have internet access, you can use activation via a browser or phone, but in most cases, online activation is sufficient.

4. Install the RDS 50 Device CAL Package

After activating the server, select the option to install licenses immediately or later right-click the server name and select Install Licenses.

In the wizard, specify the appropriate licensing program compatible with your purchase. In the next step, enter the required identification data, such as the contract number, authorization, or product key, depending on how you purchased the licenses.

Then select:

product version: Windows Server 2016
license type: RDS CAL
mode: Per Device
quantity: 50

After confirming the wizard, the license package should appear on the server as installed. From this moment on, the license server can assign 50 Device CAL to devices connecting to RDS services.

5. Set the Licensing Mode on the RDS Server

Installing licenses is not everything. You must also ensure that the RDS session host uses the correct licensing mode.

Open the Remote Desktop Services configuration and check if the Per Device mode is set. In domain environments, this is often done through Group Policy, in the section related to Remote Desktop Services licensing. There, you can specify:

licensing mode: Per Device
RDS license server name

If these settings are not correct, the server may report licensing errors despite the CAL package being properly installed.

Checking

After completing the configuration, it's worth checking if everything is working correctly.

In the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager, check:

if the server has the status Activated
if the Windows Server 2016 RDS Per Device CAL package is visible
if the number of available licenses matches the purchased package of 50 units

Additionally, you can open the RDS diagnostic tool or check the messages in Server Manager. If the session host correctly sees the license server and has the Per Device mode set, there should be no warnings about lack of licensing.

A good practical test is also to log in from a client device and observe if the connection works without any license problem messages.

Problems

The license server does not activate online

Most often, the problem results from a lack of internet access, firewall blocking, or proxy restrictions. In such a situation, it's worth checking the network connection and possibly using activation through a browser or phone.

Licenses have been added, but the RDS host does not see them

This usually means that the licensing mode is set incorrectly or the license server is not specified. Check if the session host is working in Per Device mode and if it points to the correct license server.

Message about lack of license despite installing the CAL package

The cause may be a delay in refreshing the configuration, incorrect group policies, or a conflict between Per User and Per Device settings. It's worth restarting the RDS services, refreshing the policies with the command gpupdate /force, and checking the configuration again.

Devices are not obtaining licenses as expected

In the Device CAL model, the license is assigned to the device, not the user. If users connect from multiple computers, the consumption of the license pool may be greater than expected. In such a case, you need to verify if the chosen licensing model really suits the company's work style.

FAQ

What is the difference between Device CAL and User CAL?

Device CAL assigns a license to a device, while User CAL assigns it to a specific user. If multiple people use one computer, Device CAL usually works better. If one person works on multiple devices, User CAL is often chosen.

Does 50 Device CAL mean 50 simultaneous connections?

Not always directly. It means a pool of licenses for a maximum of 50 devices that are to use RDS services according to the licensing model. Licensing concerns authorized devices, not just temporarily active sessions.

Do I need to restart the server after installing licenses?

Not in every case, but it can be helpful after changing licensing settings or group policies. If the system still reports errors after correct license installation, restarting the server or RDS services often helps apply the configuration.

If you have problems with activating Windows Server 2016 RDS 50 Device CAL or verifying the correctness of licensing, please contact us: [email protected] or call 00 800 121 1654.